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Do N and P limit rhizosphere microbial growth?

Reference	BRE13626
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor John Farrar
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Peter Darrah, Professor Davey Jones, Professor Ken Killham, Professor Andrew Meharg, Professor Deri Tomos
Institution	Bangor University
Department	Sch of Biological Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	255,844
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/03/2001
End date	01/03/2004
Duration	36 months

Abstract

The object is to critically assess in situ the dynamics of root nutrient and C flows and the impact of these fluxes on rhizosphere bacterial populations. We hypothesise that as roots continuously release C, this causes N and P limitations in the rhizosphere, which limit microbial growth. We will use two lines of wheat differing in P use efficiency, and regulate exudation by C flow to the roots. Rhizosphere bacterial nutrient status will be monitored using lux-marked bacteria in which luminescence is linked to: 1) N; 2) P starvation; or 3) general metabolic activity. Soil solution microsampling will be used to quantify rhizosphere C-14 and nutrient concentrations. A mathematical model which describes and integrates root/bacterial C and nutrient dynamics will be constructed and validated.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Biological Interactions in the Root Environment (BRE) [2000]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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